Easy hikes and walks around Thorold

Lower Falls Side Trail loops for about 1.6 kilometres through the wooded slopes of Louth Conservation Area, dropping into the Sixteen Mile Creek valley before climbing back to the Bruce Trail. Expect rocky, uneven footing and a few steeper sections, especially if the trail is wet or muddy.

This trail follows a modern-day approximation of the 32-kilometre journey Laura Secord made during the War of 1812 to warn British forces of an impending American attack, from her homestead in Queenston to DeCew House in Thorold. The route passes through vineyards, woodland, open countryside and parts of the Niagara Escarpment, with some sections using roads and sidewalks as well as dedicated trails. From DeCew House, this section continues through the wooded escarpment landscape toward Lower DeCew Falls, passing along the trails around Twelve Mile Creek and connecting with the Bruce Trail near Morningstar Mill.

Lower DeCew Falls is a remote, roughly 8-metre cascade waterfall tucked into the gorge below Upper DeCew Falls. It’s harder to reach than its upper counterpart, following an unclear, often muddy path upstream along Beaverdams Creek that can be unsafe after heavy rain, but from here you get a nice view right along the trail. The falls get their name from John DeCew, a United Empire Loyalist who acquired the land in 1792 and built water-powered mills here that became an important milling centre in Upper Canada.

The stone ruins of DeCew House are what’s left of the former home of John DeCew, an early settler, mill owner, and captain in the 2nd Lincoln Militia. During the War of 1812, the house served as the headquarters of Lieutenant James FitzGibbon, where Laura Secord famously delivered her warning of a planned American attack before the Battle of Beaver Dams. Today, the preserved limestone ruins stand as one of Niagara’s most significant War of 1812 landmarks.

The Welland Recreational Canal follows a quiet former shipping route through the heart of Welland. Once part of the canal system built to carry ships around Niagara Falls, this 12-kilometre stretch is now a relaxed waterside corridor for walkers, paddlers and cyclists, with cafés, public spaces and a surprising slice of engineering history along the way.

Merritt Island is a small urban park where paved and natural trails weave between the Welland River and the former Welland Canal. Keep an eye out for the canal passing above the river, an unexpected piece of engineering that gives this green escape its distinctive character.

The Participark Trail is a packed gravel trail that traces the western bank of Twelve Mile Creek. For 2 kilometres this trail is wide and flat, and drains well after rain and snow, making it the dryer choice for muddy winter, spring, and fall seasons. Along the trail, there are eight exercise stations for the public to do body weight workouts.

The Twelve Trail East spans 5.5 kilometres along the eastern bank of Twelve Mile Creek. It's popular with hikers, runners, and bikers for good reason, with constant river views, well-maintained packed gravel trail and easy access from multiple entry points. The trail has pretty minimal elevation gain and a decent amount of sun exposure, with occasional trees to take shelter under. At its northern tip, it connects to the Merritt Trail, joins the Bruce Trail near Brock University, and also can be linked with Participark Trail to create a loop.